Gemotions

She sat across from Chloe, at a table strewn with takeout containers. Chloe was laughing, recounting the story of their backpacking trip through Europe. Her version of events was a sun-drenched, carefree montage of laughter and adventure. A knot formed in Sarah's throat.

“You make it sound like it was all sunshine and roses,” Sarah said, her voice flat. Chloe’s smile faltered, her perfectly painted eyebrows drawing together.

Sarah remembered the constant rain, the exhaustion, the arguments about money. She remembered the near-miss with the train, the crippling fear. It was a trip of endurance, not enjoyment. Her hands tightened into fists.

“I’m pretty sure I spent half the time crying,” Sarah added, her voice barely a whisper. Chloe looked away, fiddling with a stray noodle.

Sarah felt a surge of energy, a sudden impulse to shatter the carefully constructed narrative Chloe was maintaining. She wouldn't let the truth be erased. She stood up abruptly.